Konya, August 14 (QNA) - Qatar defeated hosts Turkey 26-23 to clinch their maiden handball gold at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Konya on Sunday.
Qatar, the reigning Asian champions, were unstoppable from the start. Attacking with zeal, they sliced open the Turkish defense repeatedly. They led 14-10 at half-time.
The 2015 IHF world Championships silver medalists also defended in numbers, making things tougher for their European counterparts.
Qatar are the third country to win the handball gold at the Islamic Games. Algeria, in 2005, and Saudi Arabia, at the 2017 edition, are the other teams to have won the title.
On the other hand, Qatar's women 3x3 basketball team suffered a 20-19 defeat at the hands of Saudi Arabia in their first match.
The fifth edition of Islamic Solidarity Games is held from Aug. 9 to 18 with participation of approximately 6000 athletes from 58 countries.
The State of Qatar is participating in 14 sport disciplines, including basketball, volleyball, handball, cycling, athletics, swimming, shooting, Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, weightlifting, wrestling, fencing and gymnastics. (QNA)